Make sure you don’t drink or smoke for at least 20 minutes prior to using your breathalyzer. Make sure you are not in a room where alcohol is being consumed. If this is unavoidable please make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Never blow into a breathalyzer immediately after consuming alcohol as this will damage the sensor.

Just because you are under the limit to drive does not mean you are not impaired. Breathalyzers measure blood alcohol content not impairment. A person can be under the limit but still be impaired. If you are driving do not drink at all. Alcohol levels can change over time. Just because you are a certain level at a certain time doesn’t mean your level won’t rise afterwards. The only safe limit is zero

Never teeter on a certain limit and always leave margin for error. The accuracy data given on breathalyzers are obtained in a controlled laboratory environment – however in real life this accuracy may not be obtained every time and your unit could require servicing. Leave a margin for error in particular with semi conductor sensors.

The most responsible way to use a personal breathalyzer is use it to build up a picture over time of how your body deals with alcohol over time. Many factors can affect the way a person metabolizes alcohol including age, sex, weight, body fat and even altitude. After a few months of using a breathalyzer a person can build up a picture of how their body deals with alcohol in particular circumstances.

NEVER EVER DRINK AND DRIVE. THE ONLY SAFE LIMIT IS ZERO

WorkPlace Alcohol Testing

For expert legal & operational advice on your workplace alcohol testing procedures in Ireland contact our offices on (01) 8748699